Mac and Cheese (Easy Stovetop Recipe) Cooking Classy from www.cookingclassy.com
Introduction
Macaroni cheese is a classic comfort food that is perfect for any day of the week. It is a dish that is loved by both adults and children, and it is easy to make. In this article, we will be sharing the best macaroni cheese recipe that you can try at home.
Ingredients
Before we get started, here are the ingredients that you will need:
4 cups elbow macaroni
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients, let's get started with the instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the all-purpose flour and whisk until smooth.
Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth.
Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
Add the cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Here is the nutritional information for one serving (based on eight servings):
Calories: 459
Total Fat: 26.6g
Saturated Fat: 16.2g
Cholesterol: 81mg
Sodium: 580mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35.4g
Dietary Fiber: 1.2g
Sugars: 4.1g
Protein: 19.3g
Tips
Here are some tips to make sure that your macaroni cheese turns out perfectly:
Make sure to cook the macaroni until it is al dente, which means that it is cooked but still firm. Overcooked macaroni will be mushy and won't hold up well in the cheese sauce.
Use whole milk and heavy cream to make the sauce rich and creamy.
Shred your own cheese instead of buying pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can affect the texture of the macaroni cheese.
Let the macaroni and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese sauce to thicken a bit, making it easier to serve.
Variations
If you want to switch things up, here are some variations that you can try:
Add some cooked bacon or ham for a meaty twist.
Use different types of cheese, such as gouda, gruyere, or fontina.
Add some veggies, such as broccoli, peas, or spinach, to make the dish more nutritious.
Conclusion
Macaroni cheese is a classic dish that is loved by many. With this recipe, you can make the best macaroni cheese that is creamy, cheesy, and delicious. Don't forget to try out the variations to switch things up and make the dish even more exciting.
